Molly Ringwald has looked back on her early days in Hollywood and discussed why the entertainment industry can be challenging.
Molly Ringwald from The Breakfast Club shared her experiences as a young actress in the film and TV industry.
Ringwald started acting at five, performing on stage before transitioning to TV at 11. She gained fame in Hollywood with her lead role in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles at 16.
Ringwald went on to star in the famous film The Breakfast Club and later in Pretty in Pink, all while she was still a teenager.
She has now shared about her time in the TV and film industry when she was younger, especially as a woman starting out at a young age.
During an interview with Mark Maron on episode 1542 of his podcast, which was initially broadcasted on May 27, Ringwald expressed her surprise at how quickly everything unfolded and became popular after the release of “Sixteen Candles.”
She mentioned that she had no idea her life would change, but it certainly did.
Despite this, the actor didn't have a completely positive experience being in Hollywood at such a young age.
Molly Ringwald starred in ‘The Breakfast Club' (Universal Pictures)
Ringwald admits that she never truly felt like she belonged to a community during her time in Hollywood.
The actress clarifies that she was a reserved and quiet individual when she started her career and had no interest in going to clubs. Eventually, she realized that she was simply too young for that.
Ringwald said that another reason was the people she was around, and she felt like they took advantage of her.
In Hollywood, being a young actress means dealing with predators, she says.
I have found myself in uncertain circumstances before, but I possess a remarkable ability to stay safe and have always managed to find a solution to protect myself. Although it can be quite challenging at times.
Ringwald says there were ‘lots of predators' around when she was a young actor in Hollywood (John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)
Ringwald added, “Despite my efforts to persuade her otherwise, my 20-year-old daughter is determined to pursue the same profession as me. It's a challenging situation.”
When she first got involved in Hollywood, she mentioned that her parents didn't fully understand what they were getting themselves into.
At approximately 24 years old, Ringwald eventually relocated to France for a film opportunity. Initially, she intended to return, but she developed a deep affection for France and chose to remain there simply to experience life. This decision came after she felt like she had been working tirelessly for a significant period of time.
I had a strong desire to leave America. I had been working for such a long time that I never had the chance to experience what it feels like to not be constantly observed.
I wanted to experience what it was like to not be that girl.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Mental Health America at 988 for a 24-hour crisis center. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org or text MHA to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Ron Galella/Gilbert Flores
